Emotional Exercise

Bruce Springsteen’s version of “The Ghost of Tom Joad” appeals to the emotions of sensitivity through the use of the acoustic guitar and harmonica. The acoustic sound adds vulnerability to the piece because of its subtlety. The harmonica introduces a blues feel to the piece, which highlights the longing for a change to be seen in society’s respect for community. A tone of reflection is developed from the meter because it slows down the thoughts of the listener, enabling them to meditate on the lyrics. The audience associates Springsteen’s connection to Joad with sincerity, however he is very passive at the same time because this version doesn’t cause a “call to action”. Springsteen portrays an admiration and yearning for promoting Tom Joad’s ideas of community and morality.  

Rage Against the Machine, unlike Springsteen, depicts an active version of “The Ghost of Tom Joad.” The use of the electric guitar, drums, and aggressive vocals forcefully presents the conditions that should change in society. The meter generates a sense of anxiety, which stresses the need for society to be held accountable and exercise Tom Joad’s ideology. A tone of bitterness is established from the vocals, causing the audience to feel an appeal to the emotions of frustration. The artists seem determined and confident, making the listener focus on what they are passionately conveying.

The order I heard these versions in, made a difference as to how I measured the impact they gave the song’s message. Hearing Rage Against the Machine first, made me realize the desperation for people to recognize our place to take action the way Joad would. Springsteen’s version appealed more to my personal taste, however his timid depiction of the song’s message seemed like a weak portrayal of the urgency for change.

The contrasting styles depicted effective ways to convey the same message and allow the audience to feel more emotions than they anticipated. For example, the frustration in Rage Against the Machine gives off feelings of rage, yet appropriately highlights society’s need for sensitivity. Springsteen’s timid version portrayed a sense of sincerity, revealing society’s selfish ways. Both versions were affective ways to generate various emotions.